How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
There are a variety of options when it comes to double strollers. Katie Billingsley, a child development expert and mother, was able to help us choose the right model for you.
Look for a stroller that's relatively easy to fold, push and carry. Also, consider a stroller that's versatile enough to accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as an adult rider board.
Safety
Find a double-stroller that has all-terrain wheels and a brake that can be operated with a hand if you want to keep the kids safe while walking. These wheels and brakes help you navigate trails as well as sidewalks, gravel, and other paths without your children falling or slipping away. The best double strollers offer ample storage space to store items for your kids, including snacks and toys.
The first step in choosing the best double stroller is to know the age of your children and how far apart they are. Many double strollers can only accommodate one child seat. However, those that do come with a variety of configurations that let you select the seating option that is best for your family.
The classic doubles are ideal for children of similar ages who are keen to interact. Some double-decker designs allow you to place one seat above the other, or attach an additional riderboard for older siblings. Newborns can be tucked into a bassinet attached to the frame or as an individual attachment that allows you to have a peek-a-boo view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller will be the best option.
For more adventurous families, look for double strollers that can handle off-road terrain or even hiking. A lot of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind and come with features that allow you to take your children on any adventure, regardless of how rough the road or how steep the climbs could be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the best double strollers have thoughtful features that make navigating tough terrain and weather easier. This jogging stoller, for instance, features a wrist loop so that you can make sure your child is safe when running at higher speeds or in harsh weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation so your kids stay comfortable during the summer heat.
This model is a light and compact double stroller from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. It also comes with an enormous storage basket as well as an integrated parking brake that's easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of the past, today's double strollers are sleek and support a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some double strollers can be used as side-by-side models while others, such as the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Dual Stroller can be used as a base for car seats, toddlers ' seats, and bassinets. They are available in a variety of widths and weights that can accommodate children from newborns up to kindergarten.
A good double stroller should be easy to fold and move and allows you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your excursions. A good handlebar should be easy to hold and should allow you to walk with proper form (ask parents for advice on this). It should also offer a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are similar age, a tandem stroller could be the best choice for your family. The seats on these models sit together, allowing you to be able to interact with them both and keep an eye on them at the same time. They also recline independently which means that one child can sleep while the other is ready to go.
The downside to a twin stroller is that it's more spacious than a model with a single occupant, which can make it difficult to maneuver around sidewalks, shop aisles and narrow doors. For some families, however, the benefits are worth the extra effort and size.
If you're looking for a compact double stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista Double is a fantastic choice. Its shock absorption, sleek design and capacity for two infant car seats--plus an optional running board for mobile older children--make it an ideal option for urban living.
A wagon-style double stroller such as the Delta Children LX Stroller Side-by-Side is another option. The model is basic but it comes with plenty of space for storage and seating. double pram and pushchair comes with heavy-duty wheels to take on any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and don't recline completely flat, making it hard for small children to reach their snacks or get comfortable.
Ease of Use
Double strollers are often an investment that will be using for a long time. If you are in the market for a double stroller, make sure that it is easy to use and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have many convenient features.
All strollers we tested fold quickly and compactly in one hand. They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them can be gate checked on airplanes and fit in most trunks. Additionally, the majority of our testers reported that their strollers folded down to smaller dimensions than the single seat models, and some even included the option of carrying a strap for carrying.
If you're looking for a versatile double stroller that will adapt to your family's needs Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-byside stroller is compatible with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth to the age of preschool. Each seat has a 5-point harness with a large canopy, as well as ample sun protection.
Another highly-regarded option is the Joovy Twin Roo. It is light and extremely compact, measuring just 22 pounds and 26 inches wide when it's folded. The front seat reclines to almost a full flat position and the back seat features an adjustable recline for each child. This stroller is easy to maneuver and use thanks to its large storage basket, easy one-step parking brake and large storage basket.
The only negatives of the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry states that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, however it was also packaged in five boxes which can be trouble to carry around. She also found the Genuis magnetic clasp a bit clunky, and it took her a while before she could master it. She was happy with the stroller, however, and would recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, and a lot allow you to modify your stroller by adding a bassinet or a car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older children. But, they're not all created equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are bulky, heavy and difficult to fold or store.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, take a look at the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, with a weight of just under 23 lbs. It folds easily and has all the features parents would want for a fun day out with two children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a different model that our test subjects loved, especially for its sleek design and ease of use. It can accommodate two infant car seats, or a toddler's bassinet as well as a seat without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to transform it into a triple or quad stroller. It comes with a large basket for storage, and can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires, as as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the most suitable double stroller to use for toddlers is one that offers numerous options for customization. This includes a bassinet or seat that can be removed. This is due to toddlers having limitations in endurance, and a stroller with a bassinet attachment will provide them with a safe space to nap. She says a double stroller must also come with a sturdy harness system and recline positions, as well as plenty of storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is popular with parents due to its light weight and versatility. It is gate-check-friendly for airlines it can be accessed through all doors (without taking off the wheels at the front) and can be made to a triple or quad stroller by adding an add-on tandem. Its nearly flat, independently reclined seats, sun canopy with extra-long lengths and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its spacious underseat storage basket and inclusion of parent and child cup holders complete the impressive set of features. Taylor says that the only disadvantage is that it has a the largest profile when folded, and is difficult for parents to carry.